Military aids Haida Gwaii in efforts against COVID-19

VANCOUVER — Canada’s military has been operating on Haida Gwaii since April 12 after municipal officials asked for help.

Five members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group have been providing logistical support, including wellness checks and delivering groceries and prescription medications to people in need, said the Department of National Defence.

The islands have been very proactive in working to ensure the pandemic does not gain a foothold. As early as the third week in March, the council of Haida Nation was asking all non-residents and travellers to stay away from Haida Gwaii to limit any spread of COVID-19.

“Given our culture, remote geography and limited healthcare resources, we have made this critical decision to protect Island citizens, and especially our cherished elders, language speakers and knowledge holders,” the nation said at the time.

This week, islanders have been telling people arriving by ferry to turn around and leave on the next ferry.

“The communities of Haida Gwaii are no longer welcoming or serving visitors and people who are not full-time residents of Haida Gwaii,” a statement said.

Haida Gwaii has had no COVID-19 outbreaks. The community has 12 hospital beds and two ventilators.

DND said Rangers have been given information on mitigation and preventive measures including physical distancing, frequent and thorough hand washing, and wearing proper personal protective equipment when appropriate.

Canadian Ranger patrols have also been tasked to assist northern communities in Quebec and Saskatchewan.